At Cherished Cherubs, we’ve seen firsthand how thoughtful, age-appropriate play can transform a babysitting experience into something enriching, reassuring, and deeply beneficial for children and parents alike.
What Is Play-Based Babysitting?
Play-based babysitting goes beyond supervision. It focuses on engaging children through purposeful play that supports their development while keeping them safe, happy, and emotionally secure.
Rather than relying on screens or passive entertainment, a play-based babysitter actively connects with children through activities such as imaginative play, reading, arts and crafts, outdoor games, music, puzzles, and everyday learning moments. These interactions are guided by the child’s age, interests, abilities, and energy levels.
Most importantly, play-based care builds trust. When children feel understood and engaged, they’re more relaxed and confident — making time away from parents much easier for everyone involved.
Why Play Is Essential for Child Development
Research consistently shows that play is essential to healthy childhood development. Through play, children learn to problem-solve, regulate emotions, develop language skills, and build resilience.
Some of the key benefits of play-based babysitting include:
Emotional development: Play helps children express feelings, build confidence, and feel secure with a trusted caregiver.
Social skills: Turn-taking, cooperation, empathy, and communication are naturally practised through shared play.
Cognitive growth: Games, stories, and creative activities support memory, attention, and early learning skills.
Physical wellbeing: Active play encourages coordination, strength, and healthy movement.
Reduced anxiety: Familiar routines and engaging play help children feel calm and settled when parents are away.
For babies and toddlers, even simple play — like singing, peek-a-boo, or sensory exploration — supports early brain development and bonding.
Safety and Legal Responsibilities in Australia
While play is powerful, safety must always come first. In Australia, babysitters and nannies have a clear duty of care to ensure children are adequately supervised and protected from harm.
Although babysitters are not typically governed by the same regulations as childcare centres, families and providers must still comply with important legal and safety expectations, including:
Appropriate supervision at all times, especially during play, meals, bathing, and sleep
Age-appropriate activities that do not pose unreasonable risk
Safe environments, free from hazards during play
First aid knowledge and the ability to respond calmly in an emergency
Working With Children Checks (or equivalent), which are mandatory across Australia, including Queensland and Western Australia
In Queensland and most Australian states, anyone working with children in a paid capacity must hold a valid Working With Children Check (known as a Blue Card in QLD). This helps ensure children are protected and families have peace of mind.
A professional babysitter also understands safe play boundaries — avoiding risky behaviour, unsuitable equipment, or activities beyond a child’s developmental ability.
Why Trusted, Professional Babysitters Matter
Not all babysitting is equal. A trusted, experienced babysitter understands how to balance play, safety, routines, and emotional care. They know when to encourage exploration and when to provide gentle structure and calm.
Engaging a professional service means your babysitter has been carefully vetted, trained, and selected for both their skills and their genuine love for children. This is especially important when it comes to play-based care, where a babysitter’s attitude, patience, and creativity can make all the difference.
At Cherished Cherubs, every babysitter is chosen for their warmth, reliability, and ability to engage children in meaningful, developmentally appropriate play — all while respecting family values and household routines.
Play That Feels Like Home
One of the greatest advantages of in-home, play-based babysitting is that children can learn and grow in an environment where they already feel safe. Familiar toys, favourite books, and known routines allow play to flow naturally.
Our babysitters take the time to understand each child’s personality and preferences, tailoring play to suit quiet moments, high-energy bursts, or creative exploration. Whether it’s winding down with a bedtime story or building an imaginative cubby in the lounge room, these moments matter.
Supporting Parents with Peace of Mind
For parents, knowing your child is not just watched but genuinely engaged can make all the difference. Play-based babysitting offers reassurance that your child’s emotional and developmental needs are being met, even while you’re away.
It also supports smoother transitions, better sleep routines, and happier children — outcomes every parent hopes for.
Choose Play-Based Care You Can Trust
Play is powerful, but only when it’s guided by care, experience, and a strong commitment to safety. That’s why choosing a trusted babysitting service is so important.
At Cherished Cherubs, we’ve been supporting families since 2002 with professional, in-home babysitting and nanny services designed to feel like an extension of your own care. Our babysitters are carefully screened, qualified, and passionate about creating safe, joyful, play-filled experiences for children of all ages.
Engage a Trusted Babysitter Today
Whether you need occasional babysitting, regular nanny support, or care for a special event, Cherished Cherubs is here to help.
Get in touch with Cherished Cherubs today to find a warm, reliable babysitter who understands the true power of play.
